The History of Chicago Blues Music
Blues music is a distinctive American art form. No one region can claim to be the true birthplace of the blues, though Chicago has been a hotbed for this music since its inception. Many notable blues musicians have come out of Chicago, and numerous clubs and record companies were established there.
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History of Blues
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Blues music was developed in the American South, though the exact location is unknown, because many musicians were playing variations of similar music throughout the country. In the 1920s, the great migration of black Americans to other cities brought the blues to Chicago for the first time.
Early Chicago Blues Musicians
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According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago website, the first Chicago blues musicians to be recorded were Alberta Hunter, Cow Cow Davenport and Blind Lemon Jefferson, who recorded for Paramount Records. "Ink" Williams of Paramount Records soon attracted musicians such as Tampa Red and Georgia Tom to Chicago to record.
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Great Depression
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From 1926 to 1932, the stock market crash had a negative impact on much American business, including the recording industry. However, the clubs of Chicago remained a profitable place for blues musicians, including Memphis Minnie, Memphis Slim and Sonny Boy Williamson. By 1945, the recording industry recovered, producing such Chicago-based hits as Lil Green's "Romance in the Dark" and Williamson's "Elevator Woman."
Famous Clubs
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The Artists House Music website states that some of the most famous blues clubs were in Chicago, including Theresa's, the Checkerboard Lounge, 708 Club and Florence's. These clubs often featured black musicians playing for black audiences. Though, as time went on, white audiences began to listen. Modern clubs in Chicago include Buddy Guy's Legends, the House of Blues and B.L.U.E.S.
Record Labels
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Many famous record labels have been created in Chicago, the most notable being Chess Records. According to the History of Rock website, this label recorded many albums, including releases by Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters. The blues scene in Chicago has often been described as going through periods of recession and renewal, often because of the segregation of white and black audiences. However, in the late 20th century, clubs began to suffer because of the availability of music in formats besides live performance.
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References
- Photo Credit guitar image by cherie from Fotolia.com
